Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1988

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Abstract

In laboratory tanks, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and northern pike (Esox Lucius consumed fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) 2.6 times more frequently than walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) and 5.7 times more than lepomids. Prey were more vulnerable in circular than rectangular tanks. In field studies, walleye fingerlings averaging 35 mm and 53 mm (mean total length) were stocked in two ponds (3- and 7- hectares) respectively: both contained largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch (Perca flavescenes), green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), and fathead minnows. Aquatic insects dominated the diet of largemouth bass for 3 days after walleye were stocked, indicating that walleye fingerlings were not especially vulnerable to predation while adjusting to the new environment. Growth and survival were compared between a northeastern glacial lake stock and two Missouri River stocks of walleyes in ponds (0.81-5.7 hectares) with and without predators in 1986 and 1987. Growth of fry differed significantly (P<0.05) between stocks in hatchery ponds, but the difference was probably due to hatching dates and cultural practices rather than genotype. More Missouri River fry survived in 1986, whearas more glacial lake fry survived in 1987. Walleye fingerlings were significantly larger (P<0.05) 301 days later. The slow growth of the glacial lake stock may have been caused by a high incidence of abnormal fin development.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Walleye (fish)
Predation (Biology)
Fish stocking -- South Dakota

Description

Includes bibliographical references (pages 73-75)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

100

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-NC/1.0/

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